The USNS MIZAR was built in 1957 to serve as a supply ship for American military bases and scientific expeditions in the polar regions. In 1964, MIZAR was acquired by the Naval Research Laboratory to function as a seaborne scientific research platform for oceanographic research. Since her reassignment, she has undergone four major modifications which are part of a six-step master plan to convert MIZAR from a polar cargo ship to a modern oceanographic research vessel. At present, MIZAR is equipped to comfortably accommodate 19 scientists and allow them to perform many diversified operations at sea. The modern chemical and biological laboratory and variety of deck machinery allow the oceanographers to conduct numerous experiments from this steady working platform. MIZAR's electronic facilities, such as the laboratories, workshops, and power capability, meet the requirements for various acoustics operations. The center-well installation and acoustic-ray tracking system have made this ship well suited for deep-sea research work, as well as search and recovery of lost equipment. MIZAR will be even more versatile when the conversion is completed. Future plans include the construction of a wet laboratory to be located on the main deck, and the installation of a work boat to provide the necessary transportation for short errands while operating at sea.

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